A STUNNING opening quarter laid the groundwork for Galway as they charted a comfortable path to the last four of the Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship.

The result of the opening quarter-final at Semple Stadium would have ensured that Mark Dunne’s players were extremely wary of the Tipperary threat and they laid down a marker from the beginning, streaking into a 0-10 to 0-0 lead despite playing into the wind.

Tipperary did show plenty of spirit however and did extremely well to peg back the westerners to a seven-point margin at the interval, when they trailed by 0-12 to 0-5.

Orla O’Dwyer reduced that by one more 35 seconds after the resumption but with the wind at their backs and the speed and movement of their forwards creating so many opportunities, there was no way that Brian Boyle’s crew were likely to prevail having started so poorly.

It was all too easy for the westerners early on as the McGrath sisters Orlaith and Niamh got on the scoresheet, with the youngest of the four siblings on the squad Siobhán causing carnage and adding two of her own later on.

Maria Cooney and Niamh Kilkenny also shot a pair of points each, while Ailish O’Reilly punished Tipp’s defensive indiscretions clinically, converting four from four placed balls.

Ciardha Maher finally got Tipp on the board in the 21st minute, after Sarah Healy had saved Mary Ryan’s hand-passed attempt at goal and that seemed to settle the home side. Cáit Devane, Orla O’Dwyer, Mairéad Teehan and Maher also found their range to give their side hope at the break.

O’Dwyer’s second score added to that optimism but when O’Reilly profited from a neat touch by Aoife Donohue to calmly place a ground shot beyond Orla McEniry for a goal and it was over from that juncture.

Ann Marie Starr, Niamh McGrath, Donohue and the graceful Kilkenny kept the scoreboard ticking over and though Devane, Megan Ryan and Róisín Howard did earn some reward for their efforts, the margin would have been much greater but for the 11 wides Galway recorded as they became a little self-indulgent with the game in the bag.

Notably, the Galway defence kept up their intensity and workrate throughout, pulling off a range of hooks and blooks and forcing numerous turnovers.

Tara Kenny and Heather Cooney were magnificent in that regard with the former earning the Player of the Match award, although there were plenty other contenders.

In the end, both sides introduced a host of subs as the game fizzled to its inevitable conclusion but while Tipperary will be disappointed that they didn’t ask more questions of Galway, the Tribeswomen appear hellbent on adding to their haul of two All-Ireland titles, and winning their first since 2013.

Enda Fahy was the super sub for Galway as the ten-time All-Ireland minor champions advanced to another decider with a thrilling 1-12 to 2-08 win over Kilkenny at Croke Park.Jeffrey Lynskey’s side were 1-06 to 0-06 behind after a first-half where Jim Ryan hit the net early for Kilkenny.Jack Canning — nephew of Joe — scored a second-half penalty for Galway and despite Eoin Cody netting a second goal for Kilkenny, Galway just had enough in the end.Galway last won a minor All-Ireland in 2015 when they beat Tipperary and this was a stern test heading into another final, with Conor Heary’s late red card the final blow for Pat O’Grady’s outfit.Galway took the lead after just 31 seconds when Canning sent over a wonderful effort from out wide on the right wing but the Kilkenny response was excellent.Heary won possession, drove forward and his diagonal ball was fielded by Jim Ryan, who blasted past Darach Fahy and into the Galway net. That score came in the third minute and the teams traded scores for the rest of the half.Canning slotted his and Galway’s second point before Adrian Mullen hit back for Kilkenny. Mullen had scored 1-9 in Kilkenny’s Leinster final victory over Dublin, but Darren Morrissey was keeping the shackles on him here.Conor Molloy opened his account and Canning hit a third brilliant effort, this time from the left, but Kilkenny always kept in front with James Brennan and then Cody on target.There were some fantastic scores from play, Eoin O’Shea and Niall Brassil added to Kilkenny’s tally, but both defence were well on top.Sean Bleahane scored Galway’s last point of the half in the 19th minute and Kilkenny only registered one more point after that with Mullen tapping over a free.It was 1-06 to 0-06 at half-time but Walsh tapped over a free on the restart and then Canning scored his fourth point from play to bring Galway to within one.Cody kept Galway at bay when he followed up on his own rebound to bat Kilkenny’s second goal to the net seven minutes into the second-half.But Galway hit the next two scores, and Canning blasted a penalty past Dean Mason after substitute Donal Mannion was hauled down by Darragh Walsh in the 38th minute.Bleahane levelled the game with his second point before Mullen finally scored his first from play in the 46th minute, but Belahane scored again.Both sides had plenty of chances in the closing stages and Mullen looked like he had sealed the win for Kilkenny with a disputed 65 in the 56th minute.But Mannion was impressive and he brought Galway back level, and in the final minute of normal time Heary was sent off for a second yellow card after he fouled Morrissey.Galway seized the initiative in added-time and Fahy kept his composure to land a massive score in the 64th minute.Galway: D Fahy; C Killeen, D Loftus, D Morrissey; R Glennon, C Caulfield, M Gill; C Fahey, J Fleming; M McManus, C Walsh (0-02, 0-02f), B Moran; S Bleahane (0-03), C Molloy (0-01), J Canning (1-04, 1-00 pen).Subs: S Ryan for Fleming (36), D Mannion (0-01) for Molloy (36), C Elwood for Moran (47), E Fahy (0-01) for McManus (53).Kilkenny: D Mason; T Ronan, M Carey, D Walsh; J Brennan (0-01), C Flynn, J Molloy; J Dowd, N Brassil (0-01); E O’Shea (0-01), C Heary, J Ryan (1-00); E Cody (1-01), A Mullen (0-04, 0-02f, 0-01 ’65), S Ryan.Subs: N Brennan for Brassil (7, blood), Brassil for N Brennan (11), D Barron for S Ryan (49), J Kelly for O’Shea (52), N Brennan for J Ryan (57).Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick).

Joe Canning produced an astonishing winning point in the fifth minute of stoppage time from the right sideline to send Galway into the All-Ireland final against either Cork or Waterford after a thrilling 0-22 to 1-18 at Croke Park.The sides were level 13 times in a cracking match and just when a replay seemed on the cards, Canning struck his eleventh point of the game to send the All-Ireland champions crashing out.John O’Dwyer had a chance to snatch an equaliser in the final play but his effort from the right tailed off and Galway’s passage to the final was secured.Galway may not have scored a goal for a third championship match in a row but their ability to pick off points when they were most needed saw them home.It’s the third year in a row that the All-Ireland semi-final has been decided by a single point between theses sides, with Galway gaining revenge for last year’s loss.Now they will fancy their chance of a first All-Ireland title since 1988 after surviving a thrilling conclusion.The sides were level six times in the opening half but Tipperary, playing with the breeze, led by 1-10 to 0-12 at the interval.The goal came after 24 minutes when John McGrath pounced on an error by Galway goalkeeper Colm Callanan and corner-back Adrian Tuohy to flick the ball to the net.That edged the All-Ireland champions back in front and after Johnny Coen levelled directly afterwards, Tipperary should have got a second goal when Galway full-back Daithi Burke slipped but Seamus Callanan’s ground stroke was superbly saved by the advancing goalkeeper Callanan.Galway were on top in midfield and that began to have an impact after Tipperary opened up a 0-04 to 0-01 lead after just seven minutes with Callanan, Seamus Kennedy, Noel McGrath and John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer had found the target.Conor Cooney got Galway’s opening point after four minutes and they enjoyed their best spell when they hit four points without reply from the eighth to 15th minute with Conor Whelan, Coen, Conor Cooney and Cathal Mannion hit the target to lead for the first time by 0-05 to 0-04.Callanan responded for Tipp before Joe Canning hit two either side of another Whelan point to open up a three points leadPaudie Maher pulled back a point before John McGrath pounced for his fifth goal of this year’s title race and his tenth championship goal in history.Whelan’s third point edged Galway back in front after Coen’s equaliser following the goal but Callanan landed a free from distance to tie the game four minutes from the break.Brendan Maher edged them back in front directly afterwards and while Canning hit a trademark point from a sideline on the right, Callanan and sub Jason Forde put two between them in stoppage time.Galway cut that gap to the minimum when Canning got his fourth point when he made no mistake with a free from 60 metres to leave it 1-10 to 0-12 at the break in front of a crowd of 68,184.Joseph Cooney levelled the sides for the seventh time inside a minute of the restart before the unrelated Conor Cooney flashed a goal chance wide after a good run.Callanan responded with another free for Tipp which Canning immediately cancelled and then Whelan got his fourth point to make it 0-15 to 1-11 after 42 minutes.Gearoid McInerney was superb at the heart of the Galway defence in the second-half and he will now bid to follow in the footsteps of his father Gerry who was wing-back for the Tribesmen when they triumphed in ’87 and ’88.Brendan and Paudie Maher got Tipp back in front with points to lead by 1-13 to 0-15 after 49 minutes, but they never led after that, with Callanan saving well from Noel McGrath.Galway hit back and two more points from Canning and a long range free from Padraig Mannion put them two in front.‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer and Noel McGrath pointed either side of a Canning ’65 and then John McGrath levelled 12 minutes from time at 1-16 to 0-19.Another Canning point from play was cancelled by a point from O’Dwyer after Callanan missed another placed ball from distance.Indeed, both sides were guilty of wides as the tension mounted - Galway finished with 14 to Tipp’s 11 - before Canning pointed a massive free from 90 metres to edge the Tribesmen in front three minutes from the end.Brendan Maher stepped forward and showed great composure to tie the games with a free from 70 metres two minutes into stoppage.That suggested a replay would be needed to separate them but Canning had other ideas and his point from distance out on the right wing proved to be a match-winning score to send Galway into the All-Ireland final.Galway: C Callanan; A Tuohy, Daithi Burke, J Hanbury; P Mannion (0-01, 0-01f), G McInerney, A Harte; J Coen (0-02), David Burke; C Mannion (0-01), J Canning (0-11, 0-06f, 0-01 sideline, 0-01 ’65), J Cooney (0-01); C Whelan (0-04), N Burke, C Cooney (0-02).Subs: J Flynn for N Burke (45), J Glynn for C Mannion (53), S Moloney for C Cooney (70), G Lally for McInerney (71-73).Tipperary: D Gleeson; D Maher, J Barry, M Cahill; S Kennedy (0-01), R Maher, Paudie Maher (0-02); B Maher (0-03, 0-02f), M Breen; D McCormack, Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher, N McGrath (0-02); J O’Dwyer (0-03), S Callanan (0-05, 0-03f), J McGrath (1-01).Subs: S Curtin for Patrick ‘Bonner Maher (7-10), J Forde (0-01) for Breen (34), N O’Meara for Forde (62).Referee: B Kelly (Westmeath).

Allianz League form held good at Croke Park where Kerry, the Division 1 champions, saw off Galway, the Division 2 winners, to claim a familiar All-Ireland football semi-final berth.

The Munster champions and 2014 All-Ireland winners brought all their big game experience to bear on the contest with veteran Kieran Donaghy playing an important role.

The big full-forward scored a crucial first-half goal and 1-1 in total as Eamonn Fitzmaurice's men built an early lead and held onto it to secure their fifth consecutive quarter-final win.

Forward colleague Paul Geaney helped himself to 0-4 while David Moran, Johnny Buckley and Paul Murphy all boomed over a brace of points apiece.

It's the end of the line for Galway who bounced back from their Connacht final defeat to Roscommon with a big win over Donegal but never truly looked like taking down Kerry.

Kevin Walsh's Galway outscored Kerry by 0-6 to 0-3 in a period stretching from late in the first-half until the 50th minute.

That reduced their arrears to four points with around 20 minutes remaining but they never got any closer and are still searching for that first win in a Championship game at Croke Park since 2001.

Kerry came into the contest buoyed by their 79th Munster title success and looking to stretch their impressive record in All-Ireland quarter-finals.

They slipped up just twice at this stage - to Down in 2010 and Donegal in 2012 - having never failed to reach the last eight.

They lived up to that impressive record with a surprisingly comfortable win and never once trailed in the encounter.

Ian Burke, who kicked four points for Galway in the opening half, cancelled out an early Kerry effort from Murphy to tie the scores at 0-1 apiece.

But Buckley's ninth minute point for Kerry moved them back into the lead and they remained in the ascendancy from there onwards.

Kerry were excellent in the opening quarter hour and profited from both long and diagonal balls into their full-forward line.

David Walsh, a late addition to the Galway lineup in place of Cathal Sweeney, marked Donaghy but struggled against the six foot six Tralee man in their aerial duels.

Donaghy scored a thrilling 14th minute goal when he rose up above Walsh and Liam Silke in the Galway defence, found some space on his left side and blasted a left footed shot to the net.

Donaghy finished the half with 1-1 and also created points for James O'Donoghue and Donnchadh Walsh in a typically excellent display of high fielding and distribution.

Donaghy's goal helped Kerry into a 1-5 to 0-3 lead after 15 minutes but the Kingdom didn't scored again until the 27th minute as the game entered a lull.

Kerry stepped on the gas again with four points in to open up an ominous seven-point lead but a strong Galway finish to the half that included back to back Burke points steadied them.

Kerry still led 1-10 to 0-8 at the interval and looked in a strong position to return to the last four.

Galway asked more questions of Kerry after the restart with three points and reduced their arrears to four points to hint that they may rescue a result from the game.

Kerry's response was impressive though with points from Jack Savage, Stephen O'Brien and Geaney to put themselves in the clear again.

The game lacked a vital cut and thrust in the closing minutes as Kerry ran in their full allocation of subs and picked off more points through O'Brien and Barry John Keane to win by a handsome eight-point margin.

Kevin Walsh’s Galway cruised to victory over Donegal to book an All Ireland Quarter-Final date against Kerry.

Galway bounced back emphatically as Johnny Heaney kicked 2-2 and Liam Silke and Danny Cummins scored their other goals in a massive win at Markievicz Park in Sligo.

They advance to face Kerry now after beating a poor Donegal side despite having Declan Kyne sent-off in the second-half. Donegal had three of their players black carded and it was a disastrous outing for them as they finished up their campaign.

Galway made a brilliant start and two quick points from Sean Armstrong and Shane Walsh gave them the early ascendency.

Michael Murphy kicked two points in the fourth and sixth minutes to tie the game up before Armstrong cancelled those out with two more of his own – the Salthill/Knocknacarra clubman was a late inclusion instead of Eamonn Brannigan for Galway.

Donegal took the lead for the first time after three points in a row by Paddy McBrearty (twice), and Michael Murphy, but Galway came alive in the second-quarter.

Galway hit 3-5 before the break while Micheal Murphy and substitute Martin McElhinney had the only reprieve for Donegal. Meanwhile Galway blitzed their opponents with Heaney fisting their first goal in the 18th minute.

Galway got their second goal in the 26th minute and it was a massive turning point when Liam Silke fired home their penalty.

Donegal goalkeeper Marc Anthony McGinley got a black card when he tripped Tom Flynn and the Corofin clubman made no mistake from the resultant penalty.

Donegal were down and out at that stage and Galway got their third goal before half-time when Heaney fisted home his second.

It was 3-9 to 0-7 in favour of Galway at the break and they kicked three quick points through Heaney, Armstrong and Gary O’Donnell at the start of the second-half.

That killed off any chance of a fight back and Donegal had Michael Murphy and Martin McElhinney black card as their challenge faded.

Having used their full complement of substitutes already Donegal finished with 13 players.

Paddy McBrearty tried to take the fight to Galway, but he missed a penalty and the rebound when Cathal Sweeney got Galway’s black card after fouling Martin O’Reilly with 11 minutes remaining.

Galway kicked on again, Micheal Meehan made his reappearance in the latter stages and then fellow substitute Danny Cummins kicked their fourth goal.

Jack Canning – nephew of Ollie and Joe – scored 1-3 as Galway dominated throughout in seeing off Clare in the All-Ireland MHC quarter-final in Páirc Uí Chaoimh .

Canning’s goal in the 23rd minute came with the Tribesmen leading by 0-6 to 0-5, having been ahead all through, and their advantage was never less than three points thereafter.

Galway had eight scorers in all, with Conor Walsh impressing from frees while Seán Bleahane and Donal Mannion impressed too.

Clare endured a difficult day in front of the posts, though they looked to have found their feet when Gary Cooney pointed in the 15th and 16th minutes to bring them to within two, 0-4 to 0-2. Galway were always able to stay in front though and Canning netted on 23 minutes after good work by Martin McManus and Ben Moran.

Aidan McCarthy and Riain Considine replied for Clare but Canning had the last score of the half as Galway led by 1-7 to 0-7 and he extended the lead further on the resumption with a fine score from the right.

Keith White led the Clare second-half challenge but Bleahane, Walsh and Conor Fahey helped Galway to ease clear. White’s third pulled it back to five points, 1-12 to 0-10, but four in a row by Gaway, with Mannion, Canning, substitute Shane Ryan and Ben Moran on target, removed any doubts about the outcome.

When replacement Enda Fahey got their second goal with his first touch on 54, it made it 2-17 to 0-11 and though Cooney did net for Clare late on, it was only a consolation.

Goals from Cian Connolly and Brian Stack in each half saw Kevin McStay lead Roscommon to their first Connacht title in seven years as they avenged last year’s 11-point final defeat with a classy showing at Pearse Stadium.Roscommon dominated from the first minute and only allowed Galway brief moments of supremacy, while an ugly late brawl in injury-time saw Micheal Lundy and Damien Comer sent off and Paul Conroy black carded.Roscommon’s goalscorer Connolly was also sent off when he earned a yellow card, but after his side claimed a first win over either Mayo or Galway since 2001 it mattered not a jot to the Roscommon supporters in the 18,287 crowd, who flooded onto the pitch at full-time.In their semi-final romp against Leitrim, the Roscommon forwards showed they were in a rich vein of form and they showed their Galway markers the same class in the early stages.Ciaráin Murtagh pointed the first score of the game exactly a minute into the action, and with huge pressure on the Galway kickouts, Diarmuid Murtagh doubled the lead, before an off-the-ball foul by Declan Kyne on Connolly saw Ciaráin Murtagh on target again.It was a rampant start from last year’s runners-up, but Galway finally made an impact on the scoreboard when Shane Walsh slotted a free from the ground following a foul on Damien Comer, who was double-marked any time the ball came in his direction.The success that the Roscommon inside forward line were having continued though and they reeled off three points in two minutes – a free each from the two Murtagh brothers and a fine long range effort from Conor Devaney from distance in the 12th minute.While Roscommon had a handful of in-form forwards Walsh was Galway’s sole threat and he curled over a love point to make to 0-06 to 0-02 after 14 minutes.But, crucially, the next score came to Roscommon. It was Diarmuid Murtagh that picked out Connolly, isolated inside on his marker Cathal Sweeney, and Connolly’s finish to the net was controlled as he rolled the ball into the bottom corner for a seven-point lead after 14 minutes.As the weather conditions worsened, so too did the quality of football on show. There was little sympathy from referee David Gough either, who fired out five yellow cards before the interval – some of them were very questionable.Nine minutes from the interval, Galway came within the width of the post to a goal of their own when Michael Daly found himself on the end of a slick move, but after Diarmuid Murtagh’s third point, Walsh’s second free meant a 1-07 to 0-03 lead was Roscommon’s at half-time.Nine first-half wides were a blight on Roscommon’s opening 35 and when Walsh and Comer added two quick points for the home side that slack shooting was punished.But, six minutes after the break, Roscommon struck for a second goal. A mark was awarded to Brian Stack when he claimed a Galway kickout, but he continued on his powerful run, which ended in controlled finish low to Ruairi Lavelle’s right.That goal put Roscommon 2-08 to 0-05 ahead and Galway looked dead and buried, but an impressive five points in four minutes saw Galway pull within four points.But three of the next four scores were kicked by Roscommon to settle their nerves and it was left to sub Shane Killoran to kick the last point as McStay’s men claimed the title for the first time since 2010.Roscommon: C Lavin; D Murray, N McInerney, S McDermott; C Devaney (0-02), S Mullooly, J McManus; T O’Rourke, E Smith; F Cregg, N Kilroy, B Stack (1-00); C Murtagh (0-03, 0-02f), D Murtagh (0-05, 0-03f), C Connolly (1-01).Subs used: G Patterson for Murray (35+1-half-time blood), I Kilbride for Cregg (48 mins), D Smith (0-02, 0-01f) for D Murtagh (53 inj.), Colin Compton for C Murtagh (65), R Stack for Kilroy (70), S Killoran (0-01) for B Stack (75).Galway: R Lavelle; C Sweeney, D Kyne, E Kerin; G O’Donnell (0-01), G Bradshaw, L Silke; P Conroy (0-02, 0-01f), F Ó Curraoin; T Flynn, E Brannigan, J Heaney; M Daly (0-01), D Comer (0-02), S Walsh (0-06, 0-04f).Subs used: G Sice for Heaney (half-time), D Cummins for Brannigan (half-time), M Lundy for Flynn (60), E Tierney for Ó Curraoin (65), D Wynne for Conroy (75 BC).Referee: David Gough (Meath).

A powerful second-half performance at Croke Park propelled Galway beyond a determined but ultimately outclassed Wexford side to their second Leinster Senior Hurling Championship title.Conor Cooney's eight-point haul lit up a provincial decider that will be remembered for the physical power and point scoring ability of Micheal Donoghue's Allianz league champions.Cooney went through three different Wexford defenders on the afternoon while Joe Canning consistently punished slack defending and converted 10 placed balls.Joseph Cooney was excellent too as Galway, leading by three points at the break, pulled clear with a tremendous third quarter display.Davy Fitzgerald's Wexford had hoped to crown their breakthrough season with a first Leinster title since 2004 and were neck and neck for half an hour but couldn't live with Galway's greater physical conditioning and attacking power beyond that.Galway's reward is an All-Ireland semi-final place while Wexford will get to experience the redeveloped Páirc Uí Chaoimh when the quarter-finals take place later this month.The Model County started well and gave as good as they got in the first 30 minutes or so, retaining a slender 0-11 to 0-10 advantage at that stage.Captain Lee Chin was a totemic figure for them, winning one hard-fought free before drilling it over from a huge distance out to roars of approval from the large Wexford crowd.Moments earlier, Jack O'Connor had performed a courageous block on Padraic Mannion that left him with a bloodied hand but summed up Wexford's immense desire.The league semi-finalists seemed to come out on top in much of the early loose ball and picked off points from some outrageous angles.Conor McDonald scored two beauties from long range and Diarmuid O'Keeffe cut in between two Galway defenders on the left before splitting the posts from a tight angle.Matthew O'Hanlon marked Galway centre-forward Canning and outscored him from play.Galway got most joy out of Cooney who scored four first-half points, the first three of which came off Willie Devereux before Simon Donohoe was moved onto him.Cooney's fourth of the half in the 30th minute began a burst of four Galway points in a row that nudged them 0-14 to 0-11 clear at the break.Wexford ultimately lost the game in the 15 minutes after the restart when everything went against them.A McDonald point that was initially awarded by the umpire was ruled out by Hawk-Eye.Then McDonald's tame shot from a 40th-minute penalty was turned around the post by Galway 'keeper Colm Callanan.Galway's response was emphatic; seven unanswered points and an exhibition of high fielding from Niall Burke and Conor and Joseph Cooney who all picked off great scores.Suddenly, Galway led 0-21 to 0-12 and even a 1-01 blast form Wexford, including a 53rd-minute O'Keeffe goal, only briefly halted their momentum.Five more Galway points without response from a besieged Wexford put the result beyond doubt.By now, Niall Burke had emerged as a prominent forward for Galway though Joseph Cooney picked off the best of the late scores, a terrific effort from a tight angle out on the right wing.Galway: C Callanan; A Tuohy, Daithi Burke, A Harte; P Mannion (0-01), G McInerney, J Hanbury; J Coen, David Burke (0-01); J Cooney (0-05), J Canning (0-10, 0-08f, 0-01 65, 0-1 s/l), J Flynn; C Whelan, C Cooney (0-08, 0-01), N Burke (0-02).Subs: T Monaghan (0-01) for Flynn 31, S Maloney (0-01) for Canning 67, G Lally for J Cooney 68, S Loftus for P Mannion 72.Wexford: M Fanning; L Ryan, W Devereux (0-01), J Breen; S Donohoe, M O'Hanlon (0-02), D O'Keeffe (1-01); L Chin (0-04, 0-02f, 0-01 65), J O'Connor (0-01); P Morris (0-02), A Nolan, C McDonald (0-05, 0-03f); S Murphy, J Guiney, H Kehoe.Subs: D Redmond for O'Connor h/t, E Moore for Donohoe 47, C Dunbar (0-01) for Kehoe 53, S Tomkins for Nolan 63.Referee: C Lyons (Cork).

Clarinbridge GAA strategic Plan was launched at a Function Night held in Paddy Burkes on Friday 23rd of June."Bridge to the Future" is a strategic plan for the club, compiled over the last number of months, in consultation with the Clarinbridge community at large. It details the Club's vision for Clarinbridge GAA and focuses on the five key areas of Coaching, Player Development, Facilities and Infrastructure, Social & Cultural and Finance.Special thanks to County Chairman Pat Kearney and County Secretary John Hynes for attending and being so supportive of the Club's efforts.

Joe Canning hit seven points and reigning league champions Galway saw off Offaly by 0-33 to 1-11 at O’Moore Park in Portlaoise.

Galway were 0-16 to 1-06 ahead at half-time after they answered Oisin Kelly’s early strike with a brilliant half of free-flowing hurling.

Portumna ace Canning scored five points in the first-half and Conor Whelan did the rest of the damage in the second-half as he finished with seven points from play.

Galway have only ever won one Leinster title, back in 2012, but they will face the might of Wexford in a novel provincial final pairing at Croke Park.

Micheal Donoghue’s side were huge favourites coming into this final four clash having breezed past Dublin in the quarter-final, following on from their massive league final success against All-Ireland holders Tipperary.

There was a slight breeze behind Galway in the first-half but they fell behind early when Kelly crashed home a goal in just the fourth minute.

He showed great strength to hold off his marker John Hanbury and finish low into Colm Callanan’s goal but Galway retained their composure and hit their stride.

Points from Padraic Mannion, Cathal Mannion, Conor Whelan and then Conor Cooney saw them take the lead for the first time in the seventh minute.

Galway scored nine points from play by the 20th minute, and then Canning tapped over his first free three minutes later. Galway were still pilfering chances in front of goal and Niall Burke and Jason Flynn were among those guilty of missing opportunities.

Galway ended the first-half with seven wides and but crucially Canning was central to everything – he scored five points, with four coming courtesy of frees in the opening half.

Shane Dooley was keeping Offaly within range, he landed six points in the opening 35 minutes, but Galway were too good and the surging runs of half-backs Aidan Harte and Padraic Mannion were doing massive damage.

Galway were 0-16 to 1-06 ahead at the break and a couple of early Whelan points put Galway completely out in the clear.

Offaly still only had two scorers, with Dooley adding a point but their opponents sailed through the gears. James Dempsey pulled off a fantastic save to deny Shane Maloney in the 50th minute.

But Galway were utterly dominant and when Maloney scored his third point to give them a 0-24 to 1-07 lead in the 51st minute.

Whelan and Niall Burke extended their lead further in the latter stages and Offaly had no answer as they finished with just four different scorers on the day – Galway had nine.

Galway held off a strong comeback from 14-man Mayo to force their way into the Connacht final after a 0-15 to 1-11 win at Pearse Stadium.The sending off of Keith Higgins in the 26th minute had a huge impact on the game as Galway worked their way into a four-point lead only for Cillain O’Connor to kick three late frees to pull Mayo back into contention.But Galway held on to claim a one-point win and clinch their spot in the second final in a row against either Roscommon or Leitrim.With a huge gale at their backs in the first-half, Galway didn’t waste any time in building an advantage and after 12 seconds Damien Comer pointed after Paul Conroy won the throw-in, and straight from the restart Galway pressed up which led to a sweet point from Gareth Bradshaw off the outside of his boot for a 0-02 to 0-00 lead inside a minute.A foul on Bradshaw on the right saw Sean Armstrong stroke over Galway’s third point from outside the 45 metre line in the third minute, but Mayo soon settled and built their way into the game.Facing Galway’s tight defensive line they needed to be patient and pick their way through, but five minutes in Andy Moran spotted the gap and allowed Kevin McLoughlin to score.A minute later the key score of the first-half arrived for Mayo. Lee Keegan looked to have guided a long range point over the bar but his effort hit the post, fell to McLoughlin and the Knockmore man finished low to the net for a 1-1 to 0-3 lead.There was plenty of frantic play from both sides in the opening quarter, but one of the calmer moments came from Michael Daly who settled his side with a beautiful score from 45 metres, which sailed over on the wind.Cillian O’Connor saw a shot on target crash back off the crossbar soon after and Shane Walsh landed a great score on the run for Galway, but Mayo seemed able to keep in touch as O’Connor’s frees and another point from Fergal Boland kept them close to their rivals.Nine minutes from the break Galway’s hopes of a second win in a row over their rivals was boosted when Keith Higgins was shown a straight red card following an off the ball incident with Comer, but as temperatures began to boil, Tom Flynn soon joined him on the sideline when he picked up a black card.But right through the first-half Armstrong was reliable for Galway and his four points from placed balls before the break meant they were well worth a 0-09 to 1-05 half-time advantage.A bright start from Galway launched the first-half and they had a similar introduction to the second when an Armstrong free and a great score from substitute Eamonn Brannigan in the space of a minute stretched their lead to three points.There was no doubt that the extra man around the middle was helping Galway, but a long range score from Diarmuid O’Connor trimmed the fat on that advantage in the 43rd minute, but Armstrong’s 45 into the wind and Comer’s point when the kick-out was pressurised soon had four between the sides.Three Cillian O’Connor frees pulled Mayo to within a point with two minutes remaining and with six minutes added time to be played the sizeable travelling support fancied their chances of a replay, but after Johnny Heaney twice cleared off the line five minutes from time, Evan Regan’s late effort was the closest they came as Galway held on.Galway: R Lavelle; C Sweeney, D Kyne, L Silke; G Bradshaw (0-01), G O’Donnell (c), D Wynne; T Flynn, F Ó Curraoin; J Heaney (0-01), P Conroy, S Walsh (0-01); M Daly (0-01), D Comer (0-02), S Armstrong (0-06, 0-03f, 0-03’45).Subs: G Sice (0-02, 0-02f) for Flynn (31 BC), E Brannigan (0-01) for Wynne (h-t), D Cumins for Daly (70), M Lundy for Sice (72),Mayo: D Clarke; C Barrett, G Cafferkey, K Higgins; D Vaughan, L Keegan, P Durcan (0-01); S O’Shea, T Parsons; F Boland (0-01), D O’Connor (0-01), S Coen; K McLoughlin (1-01), C O’Connor (c) (0-06, 0-05f), A Moran (0-01).Subs: A O’Shea for S O’Shea (48), D Kirby for Moran (48), J Doherty for McLoughlin (58), E Regan for Boland (61), C Boyle for Vaughan (69), D Drake for D O’Connor (73).Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan).

Loughrea were the kingpins of the 2017 Kilbeacanty beating Beagh in a closely contested final on a score line of 3-15 to 6-03. The loss of Kevin Keehan in Beagh’s first game proved costly in their bid for 3 in a row and Loughrea proved too strong in the final playing some spectacular hurling on the way to claiming the 7’s McCarthy Cup and €7,000 prize fund. Loughrea beat Ardrahan and St Thomas on route to the final and had outstanding performances from Jamie Ryan and Brian O’Mahony and Neil Keary throughout the day. However goalkeeper Peter Whelan was the hero in the final and went on to win Player of the Tournament. The first camogie final was also a fantastic game with Clare county champions Inagh/Kilnamona coming back from the dead at half time to beat Ardrahan by the closest of margins on a score line of 3-06 to 4-02. Inagh/Kilnamona had many stars throughout the day with Siobhan and Fiona Laverty to the fore in them winning the first Kilbeacanty camogie 7s. Aoife Lynskey from Ardrahan won player of the tournament. The Joe Gillane finals were won by Ardrahan who stopped Craughwell winning three in a row and Kinvara beat Gort in the Shield final.It was a brilliant day out in Kilbeacanty for all hurling and camogie fanatics and the tournament is going from strength to strength. The club would like to thank all sponsors, referees, club workers/members and to all teams that took part who make the day such a great success. 2018 promises to be even better as the club celebrate 100 years since the first tournament was played in the parish.

President of Gort Golf Club Joe Byrne has welcomed the opportunity to link with Galway GAA in launching this event. As past Chairman of Galway Hurling, Joe is acutely aware of the challenges facing Galway GAA in providing funds to ensure our County Teams are prepared properly and this is an opportunity, in a joint venture to support both organisations. There is an intrinsic link between GAA and Golf and many past hurlers and footballers play golf which is an opportunity to continue engaging in sport, but probably more importantly it’s a social outlet to maintain and gain friendship.

Chairman of Galway GAA, Pat Kearney, a past member of the Golf Club, believes that joint venture events like this are very important for increasing support and in doing so generating much needed funds. It’s an exciting Summer ahead for our Hurlers and Footballers, and support oﬀ the field is very important.

Chairman of Galway Hurling , Michael Larkin, welcomes this initiative by Gort Golf Club and encourages all Galway GAA friends to participate in the event.

Adrian Quinn Car Sales, Labane are the Main Sponsor for the Golf Classic and both Gort Golf Club and Galway GAA are indebted for his support. We also acknowledge the continued support of Galway GAA Teams Sponsor Supermac’s.

Teams of 4 cost €120, Tee sponsors €100 (combined Team and Tee Sponsorship €170). There will be a special competition for non GUI handicap golfers which aﬀords the opportunity to so many, who are engaged with their Clubs to participate in the event. GAA Clubs are asked to enter a team consisting of GAA Club members and they will participate to play for a generous O’Neills Voucher towards a Club set of jerseys.

Those interested in playing may book on line at Gort Golf Club BRS system, ring the Club at 091-632244, Joe Byrne 087-2625775, John Moylan 087-9165930, Colm Grealish 086-1932511, Michael Larkin 087-8119309.

League champions Galway got their championship campaign up and running with an emphatic 2-28 to 1-17 win over Dublin at O’Connor Park in Tullamore.

The dismissal early in the second-half of Dublin defender Cian O’Callaghan minimised any chance of an upset as Galway advanced to a Leinster SHC semi-final meeting with Offaly next month.

It was only Galway’s second ever senior championship win over Dublin in seven meetings.

Galway led by 1-10 to 1-07 at the end of the opening half with seven different scorers contributing to their tally in front of a crowd of 14,316 in a game played in excellent conditions.

The Tribesmen seemed poised for a big interval lead but Dublin struck for a goal on the stroke of half-time to give themselves real hope.

Indeed, Dublin started and finished the half in a flourish, with Chris Crummey getting them off the mark after three minutes with a good point from the right.

Galway took over from there and shot four in a row in a six-minute spell with Joe Canning, Jason Flynn, David Burke and Conor Whelan hitting good scores for the League champions.

Ben Quinn had a Dublin goal disallowed when he was adjudged to have over-carried the ball. But Ger Cunningham’s men enjoyed their best spell of the opening half after that.

Eamon Dillon reduced the margin and then Shane Barrett landed one from distance before Donal Burke tied the match at 0-04 each after 16 minutes.

Dublin continued to press forward and David Treacy edged them in front but they were also guilty of some wayward shooting, hitting 10 wides to Galway’s seven in the first half.

Galway responded to the challenge with four points without reply, with Cathal Mannion, David Burke, Canning and Conor Cooney pushing them 0-08 to 0-05 in the lead.

Treacy hit back with a Dublin free which was quickly cancelled out when Joseph Cooney ensured all Galway forwards were on the mark in the opening half.

Another Treacy point left just two between them but then Galway, who lost corner-back Paul Killeen to a knee injury, struck a major blow with the opening goal.

Dublin goalkeeper Conor Dooley did well to block an effort from Joseph Cooney but Flynn finished the rebound to the net with a ground strike.

He should have added another three minutes from the break after being set up by a superb pass from Canning but his effort flew over the bar.

And then, just before the break, Donal Burke set up Quinn for a goal for Dublin to leave just three between them at the interval.

Galway doubled that lead in the opening five minutes of the second half with three points from play and Dublin then suffered a massive blow when corner-back O’Callaghan was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card.

That left the Dubs with a mountain to climb and they never looked like mounting a challenge from there as Galway used their numerical advantage to pull away.

They wrapped up the issue when Conor Cooney got Galway’s second goal after 53 minutes, with Dublin unable to mount a rally after that and will now need to regroup for the qualifiers.

Galway McDonagh 4-16 North Clare 0-7Three in a row and heading for Division one is the mid term progress report for Galway north. Darren O Brien opened the scoring for North Clare before three in a row from TJ Brennan, Conor Molloy and Isaa Dehora set Galway up for a lead they never subsequently surrendered. North Clare's top forward Tom Barry rallied the Clare cause with a free and indeed North Galway were finding it difficult to get their best foot forward due to the honest effort provided by the home side.Eventually distance was put between the sides as Cillian Lawless and Conor Molloy hit minors before Isaac Dehora struck for the first Galway goal. By the interval, the Galway lads led by 1-8 to 0-5. The Clare defensive shield was shattered five minutes into the new half as Galway hit 1-4 to no score for Clare. Conor Molloy (3), Mark Kennedy (1) with Dehora hitting the second Galway McDonagh goal to surge 2-12 to 0-5 clear and on their way to victory.GALWAY NORTH: Darragh Connelly (Liam Mellowes), Jack Hughes (Skehana), Mark Gill (Castlegar), Sean Burke (Kilconieron), Sean Joyce (Salthill), Conor Lee (Clarinbridge), TJ Brennan (Clarinbridge)(0-2), Diarmuid O Brien (Ballygar), Dylan O Shaughnessy (Loughrea)(0-1), Cillian Lawless (Athenry)(0-1), Mark Kennedy (Clarinbridge)(0-1), Michael Glynn (Skehana), Damien McGlynn (St Thomas), Conor Molloy (Leitrim/Kilnadeema) (2-9), Iaasc Dehora (Clarinbridge)(2-1). Subs: Neil Connelly (Portumna)(0-1), Cathal Dolan (Kiltormer), Eoin Kerin (Rahoon/Newcastle). Management: Damien Curley and Willie BurkeGalway Maroon 0-24 Offaly 1-13

Galway Maroon recorded their second win of the Campaign when they overcame Offaly in Birr on Wednesday evening. Galway laid a marker early on and when Ross Albertini pointed on the 21st minute, they had built a 0-9 to 0-2 lead. By the interval Galway Maroon led by 0-12 to 0-5 as the spirited Offaly side stayed in contention.

With a decent spread of scorers, Galway led by 0-18 to 0-10 at the three quarters stage before a Brian Duignan goal from a 20 metre free gave Offaly some hope at 1-12 to 0-21 with 7 minutes to go, but the Galway lads closed out the deal to seal a 0-24 to 1-13 win.

Galway Tribesmen enjoyed a comfortable win over a spirited Kildare Cadets side on a splendid pitch in the Athlone GAA grounds. Dylan Carroll of Castlegar lead the scoring with 3-2 and his club colleague James Smith scoring 1-5 from play. The other goals were scored by Ronan Mitchell (2) and Jordan Ruffley. The final score did not do justice to a hard-working Kildare Cadets who never wilted despite the Tribesmen's dominance. Next for Galway Tribesmen is a game versus Donegal.

Aaron Byrne scored the decisive goal as Dublin became the last ever All-Ireland Under-21 football champions with a thrilling 2-13 to 2-07 victory over Galway at O'Connor Park in Tullamore.Dessie Farrell’s side were 0-05 to 0-04 up at the end of the first-half and the game took off after the interval.A Con O’Callaghan goal looked to have put them on their way, but a goal by Galway wing-back Cillian McDaid set up a grand-stand finish.Byrne pounced late on and his goal sealed Dublin’s fifth Under-21 crown and fourth since 2010, with a late Colm Brennan green flag for the Tribesmen making no difference in the end.Dublin held a slim single-point lead at half-time after a tense opening half where both sides had plenty of chances but failed to convert in front of goal.Nerves played a massive part too but Dublin took an early 0-02 to 0-00 lead with points from Glenn O’Reilly and O’Callaghan, who notched a free.O’Callaghan was Dublin’s danger man on the edge of the square but Galway full-back Sean Andy Ó Ceallaigh negated his threat for much of the opening half.Football in Galway has been resurgent lately and on the back of their senior side claiming Allianz Football League Division 2 glory, the Tribesmen claimed the scalp of heavy favourites Kerry, scoring 1-7 from their first nine shots in the semi-final.Dublin have dominated at senior level in recent years, having won four Sam Maguires since 2011. And this U-21 team qualified for the decider at the third time of asking, after back-to-back semi-final defeats against Tipperary and Mayo.But despite O’Callaghan’s early black card they came up trumps against a fancied Donegal, and against Galway they attacked at will early on.But Michael Daly got a crucial score for Galway in the seventh minute and that settled them. Colm Basquel hit back with two points in-a-row and Dublin held a strong 0-04 to 0-01 lead after 18 minutes.

Daly went close with a shot at goal for Galway, but that was foiled and at the other end Ronan Ó Beoláin was performing heroics in the Galway goal.McDaid roamed forward to narrow the gap further after Eoin Finnerty scored for Galway and O’Reilly, and Galway’s Peter Cooke traded scores before the break.Dublin were just one point ahead at half-time but they launched out of the blocks at the start of the second-half and held Galway scoreless for 14 minutes.Dublin assumed a 1-10 to 0-05 lead with O’Callaghan’s goal five minutes after half-time putting them in command. McDaid was Galway’s star and he scored a tonic goal with ten minutes to go which was followed a Kieran Molloy point.But Dublin scored next and it was Byrne’s goal three minutes from time that put the game beyond Galway. Brennan did find the net late on for the Tribesmen, while O’Callaghan settled for a point from the penalty spot for the Dubs with the last kick of the game.Final Score: Dublin 2-13 Galway 2-7Dublin: E Comerford; D Byrne, C O’Shea, E Murchan; D Monaghan, S McMahon, C Murphy; A Foley, B Howard (0-01); T Fox, A Byrne (1-00), G O’Reilly (0-03); C Basquel (0-02), C O’Callaghan (1-03, 0-02f), D O’Brien (0-02).Subs: D Gavin (0-01) for Foley (13), D Spillane for Fox (39), C Sallier for O’Reilly (45), A McGowan for McMahon (60), P Small for Basquel (60), S Smith (0-01) for A Byrne (62).Galway: R Ó Beoláin; L Kelly, S A Ó Ceallaigh, R Greene; K Molloy (0-01), D McHugh, C McDaid (1-01); P Cooke (0-01, 0-01f), C D’Arcy; S Kelly, M Daly (0-01), P Mannion (0-01); R Finnerty, E Finnerty (0-01), D Conneely.Subs: C Brady (0-01) for R Finnerty (30), C Brennan (1-00) for D’Arcy (37), M Boyle for Conneely (39), E Lee for S Kelly (44), A O Laoi for Mannion (54), P O’Curraoin for Molloy (60).Referee: Ciaran Branagan (Down)

Two goals from Jason Flynn and another from Cathal Mannion were among the highlights as Galway turned on the style to crush Tipperary by 16 points in the Allianz HL Division 1 final at the Gaelic Grounds.Micheal Donoghue’s side have had a fierce rivalry with the reigning All-Ireland champions in recent years, and they have clashed in the last two All-Ireland semi-finals, with a point separating them on both occasions.Their last league encounter was a draw, and it was hard-fought opening quarter, until Galway hit their stride and took a 0-11 to 0-5 lead into half-time, thanks to six points from Joe Canning.Flynn scored his and Galway’s first goal just one minute into the second-half and he added the second effort with 13 minutes remaining, before Mannion rammed home a third late on.But if Galway had taken their chances they could have been out of touch at the end of a first-half, where they led by six points. Their forwards were dominant, as they normally are, but this time the backs were brilliant too.Daithi Burke gave an awesome display at full-back, while Aidan Harte was similarly impressive sweeping up loose ball throughout the first-half.Up front Conor Whelan was a constant menace, and Canning converted with ease. Flynn was also winning his personal battle but was guilty of missing a number of scoring opportunities.In all Galway had 11 wides, to Tipperary’s nine, and Micheal Ryan’s men were reeling at the break. It was ferocious from the outset, with huge levels of intensity, and physicality which threatened to boil over at times.Tipperary were in search of their 20th league crown, and first title in nine years, and scored first through a John McGrath free in the third minute. But Galway equalised through Harte, before Whelan opened his tally.John McGrath scored his second free in the sixth minute, but then he missed a free and a 65 as Galway got on top.Noel McGrath levelled things briefly but Galway hit three in a row, with Canning’s second point in the 23rd minute giving them a 0-06 to 0-03 lead.Brendan Maher scored Tipperary’s first point in eight minutes before Galway assumed control again – they hit four in a row, with three from Canning to move six clear.Ronan Maher slotted another important free, to keep Tipperary in touch, but Canning scored his sixth of the half just before the break and Galway led 0-11 to 0-05.Flynn made amends on the resumption, and his speed created an opening that he exploited to blast to the roof of Darren Gleeson’s net in the 36th minute.The teams traded scores after that, which meant Galway always had a healthy cushion on the score-board, and Canning continued to lead from the front. At the back Daithi Burke was immovable and Flynn’s goal in the 57th minute put the game beyond doubt.The late re-introductions of Johnny Glynn and Cyril Donnellan were another plus, while Cathal Mannion the win with a third goal with three minutes left.Final score: Galway 3-21 Tipperary 0-14Galway: C Callanan; A Touhy, Daithi Burke, P Killeen; P Mannion, G McInerny, A Harte (0-02); J Coen (0-01), David Burke (0-01); J Flynn (2-01), J Canning (0-09, 0-03f, 0-02 65), J Cooney; C Whelan (0-05), C Mannion (1-01), N Burke.Subs used: J Glynn for Canning (62), J Hanbury for Daithi Burke (66), C Donnellan for N Burke (68), T Monaghan (0-01) for Flynn (69), S Loftus for Killeen (71).Tipperary: D Gleeson; C Barrett, J Barry, M Cahill; S Kennedy, R Maher (0-02, 0-02f), Padraic Maher; B Maher (0-01), J Forde; D McCormack, M Breen (0-02), S O’Brien; N McGrath (0-02), J O’Dwyer (0-01), J McGrath (0-06, 0-06f).Subs used: N O’Meara for O’Brien (32), Patrick Maher for O’Dwyer (46), T Hamill for Cahill (60), P Flynn for Forde (60), D Quinn for N McGrath (67).Referee: Colm Lyons (Cork).

Galway captain David Burke lifts the cup after the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Final between Galway and Tipperary at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. Photo by Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile

President Michael D Higgins with the Galway captain David Burke and Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Aogán Ó Fearghail after the Allianz Hurling League Final at Limerick. Photo by Joe Keane

Galway captain David Burke, left, and two goal hero Jason Flynn celebrate with the cup after the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Final. Photo by Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile

Supermac's CEO Pat McDonagh and his wife Una, the Galway team sponsors with captain David Burke after the Allianz Hurling League Final. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Galway are into a first Allianz Hurling League final since 2010 after Conor Cooney’s second-half goal saw them past Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds.Galway dominated for the most part, other than a bright start to the second-half from Limerick that closed the gap to three points. But after Cooney’s goal and five unanswered points Galway cruised to the final on a scoreline if 1-21 to 1-11.Limerick hit 17 wides, a tally sure to annoy manager John Kiely ahead of their Munster championship semi-final against Clare in June.Galway captain David Burke won the toss and elected to play with the advantage of the very strong wind in the first-half at the Gaelic Grounds and that decision helped his side to a 0-13 to 1-5 lead at the interval.Like when the sides met at the same venue three weeks ago, there was a bite to the action as both teams showed great tenacity under the breaking ball, while the hits carried championship intent rather than national league politeness.But even without the wind advantage Galway looked the better team as the points flowed from play easier than at the other end.Two minutes in Cathal Mannion hoovered up a break off the post to score his first of three points from play before the break, while Shane Dowling responded with a free, Conor Cooney tapped over two excellent points to give Galway a 0-03 to 0-01 lead.When the sides last met Joe Canning proved the difference between the sides with his 0-10 haul, but Declan Hannon put the shackles on him in the early stages, until he was forced from the field after 16 minutes.His replacement Gavin O’Mahony brought some quality to the half-back line as the quality of ball into his forwards improved thereafter, although Canning then grew into the game.By the time Hannon left Galway were 0-06 to 0-03 ahead as Padraic Mannion and Conor Whelan added points from play, but in the 20th minute Limerick’s revival was given a boost when William O’Donoghue kicked to the net after David Demspey’s clever pass sent him clear.Galway’s response was controlled as Johnny Coen scored off Canning, before the Portumna man fired over two frees to restore Galway’s four-point lead.A brilliant block form O’Mahony denied Canning a point on the half-hour mark and after an immediate counter attack drew a foul, Dowling added a point for the home side.But that inspiration was fleeting for Limerick as Galway hit the last two points of the half as Canning added a free and an assist as Cathal Mannion gave Galway a five-point cushion.Dowling missed his first free of the second-half as he struggled to judge the wind, but he hit a fine points from play a minute later to cut Galway’s advantage to four points.But Canning added a free and David Burke hit his first of the game in the 46th minute as Galway edged further clear, only for three Limerick points in four minutes to give the home crowd some hope.But 14 minutes from time the dream of a first league final title in 20 years disappeared when Conor Cooney crept inside the full-back line and batted past Nickie Quaid for the clincher.Final score Galway 1-21 Limerick 1-11Galway: C Callanan; Adrian Tuohy, J Hanbury, A Harte; P Mannion (0-01), G McInerney, Daithi Burke; J Coen (0-01), David Burke (c) (0-02); P Brehony, J Canning (0-07, 0-06f), J Cooney; C Whelan (0-02), C Mannion (0-03), C Cooney (1-04).Subs used: T Monaghan (0-01) for Brehony (53), P Killeen for Hanbury (55), N Burke for J Cooney (63), J Flynn for Whelan (66), S Loftus for David Burke (68),Limerick: N Quaid; R English, R McCarthy, M Casey; D Byrnes (0-01), D Hannon, S Hickey; A Dempsey, W O’Donoghue (1-00); S Dowling (0-05), D Dempsey (0-01), G Hegarty (0-01); C Lynch (0-01), K Hayes, G Mulcahy.Subs used: G O’Mahony for Hannon (16 mins), S Finn for Hickey (38), B Nash (0-02) for Mulcahy (48), J Ryan for A Dempsey (53), J Fitzgibbon for D Dempsey (53),Referee: Paud O’Dwyer (Carlow).

Galway produced a superb display to stun favourites Kerry in an exciting All-Ireland U-21 football semi-final at Cusack Park, Ennis.The Tribesmen led from start to finish and never allowed the Kingdom take control, with Gerry Fahy’s men responding well when Kerry threatened a comeback in the second-half.Galway opened up a 1-07 to 0-01 lead after just ten minutes as they used the strong wind from the outset.They got off to a great start when a string of passes set Dessie Conneely up to crack home a goal after just 21 seconds and stun Kerry.Galway built on that with Peter Cooke dominating at midfield and Michael Daly leading an attack which moved at pace.Kerry struggled to get into the game, although Conor Geaney got them off the mark with a free in a rare attack.Wing-back Kieran Molloy went forward to score and make it 1-07 to 0-01 after ten minutes, but then Galway fluffed a couple of great goal-scoring chances with Robert Finnerty shooting wide and Eoin Finnerty unable to hold possession with just goalkeeper Shane Ryan to beat.Kerry, boosted by those let-offs, hit back with a free from Sean O’Shea before Killian Spillane got their first point from play eight minutes from the interval.Kerry stopper Ryan went forward to convert a free from 45 metres but Galway had the final say of the opening half when Cooke got his third point of the match with a free to lead by 1-09 to 0-04 at the interval.Kerry started the second half as Galway did the first with Matthew O’Sullivan forcing home a goal.But Galway responded with a point from Cooke and it was the Galway midfielder who again hit back after a couple of Matthew Flaherty points.Ryan went forward again to shoot his second point and Spillane, son of Kerry star Tom, also pointed to cut the gap to three.But Sean Kelly hit back for Galway and then midfielder Barry O’Sullivan picked up a second yellow and Kerry had to play the final 12 minutes with 14 men.Galway killed the game with three points in rapid succession and then sub Colin Brady sealed it with a goal, although there was time for Jordan Kiely to shoot a consolation effort for Kerry.Final score: Galway 2-14 Kerry 2-10Galway: R O Beolain; L Kelly, S O Ceallaigh, R Greene; K Molloy (0-01), D McHugh, C McDaid (0-01); P Cooke (0-05, 0-03f), C D’Arcy (0-01); S Kelly (0-02), M Daly (0-02), P Mannion (0-01); R Finnerty (0-01), E Finnerty, D Conneely (1-00).Subs used: C Brady (1-00) for Mannion (41), M Boyle for R Finnerty (54), C Brennan for D’Arcy (56), E Lee for McDaid (60).Kerry: S Ryan (0-02, 0-02f); Tom Leo O’Sullivan, J Foley, Tom O’Sullivan; B O Beaglaoich, B O Seanachain, G White; A Barry, B O’Sullivan; B Barrett, S O’Shea (0-01, 0-01f), M Flaherty (0-02); K Spillane (0-04, 0-03f), M O’Sullivan (1-00), C Geaney (0-01, 0-01f).Subs used: M Burns for Barrett (29), R O Se for O Seanachain (41), J Kiely (1-00) for S O’Shea (45), J Morgan for White (55), D O’Brien for O Beaglaoich (60).Referee: B Cawley (Kildare)

After a super display in this year’s EirGrid GAA U21 Connacht Championship, Galway U21 captain, Michael Daly has been named as the EirGrid GAA U21 Player of the Province for Connacht.

Hailing from An Creagan/Mach Locha club, Michael landed this award for the role he played in securing Galway’s first U21 Connacht title since 2013.

The Tribesmen disposed of both Leitrim (QF) and 2016 All-Ireland champions, Mayo (SF) on their way to the final where they faced Sligo, a team that had yet to claim a provincial title at this level. Michael gave an outstanding display on Sligo home turf in Markievicz Park, and it was this performance that helped drive the team on to secure a win over Galway (3-20 to 2-14) in extra time.

This is the first year of the EirGrid GAA U21 Player of the Province initiative and it is one that has been put in place to recognise and reward outstanding performances throughout each of the four provinces at U21 level. Each recipient has been carefully selected by the Gaelic Writers Association.

Director of External Affairs at EirGrid, Rosemary Steen, commented;

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Michael on winning this award. His performance for Galway in the Connacht championship has been fantastic and we are delighted to be able to recognise him for this.

“At EirGrid, we manage and develop Ireland’s electricity grid and we feel strongly that our business mirrors this U21 Championship. We need to ensure that there is a bright future ahead for the young people of Ireland and with the incredible talent on display in this competition with players like Michael involved, we have no doubt that the future of the GAA will be extremely bright”.

Dublin’s Aaron Byrne has been selected as the EirGrid GAA U21 Player of the Province for Leinster and in Munster, Kerry’s, Andrew Barry has been chosen. The Ulster representative will be chosen after the final on Monday, 10th April.

Dublin will play the winner of Donegal and Derry in the EirGrid GAA U21 Football All Ireland Semi-Final on the 15th April at 14:30. The venue for the game is still to be confirmed.

The ignition provided by their bench was the key to Galway’s victory over Kildare in this afternoon’s Allianz Football League Division 2 Final as the Tribesmen won a match in Croke Park for the first time since 2001.

Substitutes Michael Daly and Gareth Bradshaw in particular brought some extra horsepower to the their second-half drive, and in a contest of fine margins that proved decisive.

It was Galway who seized the initiative in the early minutes of the match, establishing a dominance in midfield and flowing forwards from there.

Paul Conroy in particular was driving them on with his ability to carry the ball at pace, and the Kildare defence soon found themselves running towards their own goal more than they would have liked.

Conroy opened the scoring after being put through by a nice Eamon Brannigan pass, and then Brannigan himself doubled Galway’s lead after getting on the end of a wonderful team moved that saw the ball travel the length of the pitch through multiple pairs of hands.

Kildare were struggling to get a foot-hold on the game because they were failing to win primary possession in the middle third of the field.

Kevin Feely has been one of their best players all year, but the big midfielder was turned over twice in the early minutes of the game which summed up Kildare inability to impose themselves.

The former professional soccer player did manage to open his team’s account with well-taken free, but Galway hit back with one of their own through Gary Sice.

Kildare badly needed to find a spark in attack, and it was no surprise that their most skilful forward, Niall Kelly, provided it with two classy points in as many minutes.

Another free from Feely had Kildare ahead on 20 minutes, as the Lilywhites suddenly started playing with real method.

Galway’s game on the other hand was starting to unravel once they got into Kildare’s half of the field. Seven wides in the first 20 minutes tells you all you need to know about their wastefulness.

Sean Armstrong drew them level with a typical Sean Armstrong sort of point, and then the Tribesmen created the first real goal-chance of the game when Johnny Heaney cut through the Kildare rear-guard.

His shot was well struck but at a nice height for Kildare ‘keeper Mark Donnellan who pulled off an athletic diving save to beat the ball to safety.

Kildare moved ahead again courtesy of a David Hyland point that offered a revealing snap-shot of how the game was developing.

When he kicked it, Galway had all of their players inside their own ’45 yard line, but were still unable to prevent Hyland getting his shot off.

Both teams were getting numbers behind the ball when they didn’t have possession, and then tried to counter-attack at pace when they won it.

It was making for a fairly sterile contest with clean-cut chances few and far between, as both teams pretty much cancelled one another out.

A Shane Walsh point was a the last act of the half and ensured the sides went in level at the break, which was a fair reflection of a tight contest that had yet to really ignite.

Thankfully, the second-half took on a much more entertaining complexion, right from the off.

Shane Walsh kicked a really classy point as Galway attacked straight from the throw-in, and then Sean Armstrong followed up with another sweet score a minute later.

Galway were starting to get in behind the Kildare defence thanks to the swift running of Johnny Heaney and Eaonn Brannigan on the wings, and bit by bit the match was opening up.

Kildare too were now committing more men to attack, and they enjoyed a period of some dominance between the 40th and 53rd minute as they outscored Galway by eight points to three.

Niall Kelly was the key man for them in this period, kicking three of those points, as he consistently hurt the Galway defence with his ability to drift into dangerous positions and finish clinically.

He was being helped in this regard by substitute Catha McNally who linked well with the Athy man and kicked a fine point of his own in this period of the game.

But then Galway started to empty their bench, and the contribution of their subs combined with the growing dominance of Paul Conroy, Fiontán Ó Curraoin and Thomas Flynn was the key to what would ultimately prove to be a match-winning surge.

A feature of Galway’s play in this half was their ability to go long to men like Ó Curraoin in particular and win spectacular marks in the middle third that gave them a great attacking platform.

The Tribesmen kicked five unanswered points between the 54th and 63rd minutes to turn a three point deficit into a two-point lead, which would prove to be the winning of the game.

Kildare kept plugging away but two excellent points from Galway subs Daly and Bradshaw were enough to keep them at arms lengths.

The Lilywhites came looking for a match-winning goal in injury-time, but David Slattery was hauled down just outside the penalty area and Kevin Feely lashed the last-gasp free high and against the upright.

And so Galway are Division Two champions, a success that builds on last year’s Connacht title win, and suggests the Tribesmen are still on an upward curve.

Galway added another Connacht title to their collection, having already won the FBD and Under 21, when the county minor footballers defeated Sligo in the Connacht Minor Football League Final at Tuam Stadium.

Iin the opening half Darragh Silke was Galway's top marksman scoring four points and three coming from Padraic Costello as their side led at the break by seven points 0-8 to 0-1.

Galway realised their spring objective registering a win to earn a return to Division One of the Allianz Football League.An experimental Kildare outfit caused Galway problems in the west, but Kevin Walsh’s developing side did just enough to secure the spoils.The teams will collide again in the Division Two decider next Sunday which offers another competitive fixture ahead of the Championship.Despite making 14 changes from the team that defeated Clare last Sunday, a new look Kildare still performed adequately in the opening period.Fionn Dowling, outstanding at centrefield, kicked three sweet first half points from play for Kildare, who only trailed by 0-7 to 0-4 at the break.Galway offered glimpses of their ability with Tom Flynn, Sean Armstrong, Shane Walsh, and Johnny Heaney rifling over splendid efforts for the Tribesmen, who led by three at the turnaround.By the 45th minute Galway’s advantage had been extended to five, 0-11 to 0-6, following a decent burst which included scores from Eamonn Brannigan, Armstrong, and Paul Conroy.Kildare, who introduced a few regulars, continued to battle with David Hyland and Cathal McNally trimming the gap.Galway responded once more with the pacy duo Walsh and Brannigan kicking excellent points as Galway led 0-13 to 0-8 with 15 minutes remaining.The Lilywhites struck four points in a row with Niall Kelly (2) and Dowling (2) finding the range with Galway under severe pressure.Walsh burst through to land a vital score for Galway, but the effective McNally narrowed the gap again for the spirited visitors.It was a tense finale in Salthill for the bumper home crowd, but Galway will join Kildare in the top flight next year.Final score: Galway 0-14 Kildare 0-13Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 0-3, Eamonn Brannigan, Sean Armstrong, Gary Sice (2fs) and Barry McHugh (2fs) 0-2 each, Paul Conroy, Johnny Heaney, and Tom Flynn 0-1 each.Scorers for Kildare: Fionn Dowling 0-5 (1f), Ben McCormack, Cathal McNally, and Niall Kelly 0-2 each, David Hyland, and Eamonn Callaghan 0-1 each.GALWAY: Ruairi Lavelle; David Wynne, David Walsh, Cathal Sweeney; Gary O'Donnell, Michael Farragher, Johnny Heaney; Paul Conroy, Fiontan O'Curraoin; Gary Sice, Shane Walsh, Tom Flynn; Eamonn Brannigan, Barry McHugh, Sean Armstrong.Subs: Micheal Lundy for Gary Sice (57), Ian Burke for Barry McHugh (63), Liam Silke for Michael Farragher (67).KILDARE: Shane McNamara; Darren Maguire, Mark Hyland, Liam Healy; Peter Kelly, Shea Ryan, Emmet Bolton; Fionn Dowling, Paschal Connell; Eddie Heavey, Conor Hartley, Con Kavanagh; Cathal McNally, Eamonn Callaghan, Ben McCormack.Subs: David Hyland for Peter Kelly (24, BC), Keith Cribbin for Emmet Bolton (40), Niall Kelly for Ben McCormack (50), Paul Cribbin for Eddie Heavey (52), Kevin Feely for Paschal Connell (56, BC), David Slattery for Conor Hartley (63).REFEREE: Barry Cassidy (Derry).

Two goals from Tom Devine in a minute during the second-half looked to have sealed Waterford’s progress into the Allianz Hurling League Semi-Final, but Joe Canning inspired the home side to a stunning late comeback at Pearse Stadium.

Waterford didn’t score in the last 19 minutes as Canning hit a penalty and Galway fired an unanswered 1-7 to take the win.

Galway now face Limerick, but the fitness of Canning will be a big worry after he was sent off in added-time and limped gingerly from the field.

Last weekend Galway got off to a slow start against Limerick and they eventually claimed a win to sign off their Division 1B campaign. But this afternoon at Pearse Stadium they trailed by 0-6 to 0-0 after 10 minutes and by 0-10 to 0-2 after 18 minutes.

It was a desperate start from the Tribesmen who struggled under the high ball at the back, displayed a sub-par first touch, and hit five wides in the first quarter.

Starting in the full-forward line but with the No 9 on his back Tommy Ryan caused havoc early on, and drew the free that saw Maurice Shanahan launch the Waterford scoring in the second minute. After a brief lull, Stephen Bennett, Tommy Ryan, DJ Foran, Kevin Moran and Stephen Roche all hit unanswered points form play for the Déise.

Conor Whelan was in blistering form for the Tribesmen and it was his score in the 12th minute that finally got them off the mark, but Waterford were full deserving of an eight-point lead when Shanahan drilled over his third free.

Galway should have pushed themselves back into the tie after 21 minutes, but Joe Canning saw his penalty saved by Ian O’Regan, nevertheless, from there to the interval it was Galway who looked the sharper side.

Conor Cooney’s goal 11 minutes from the break lifted their hopes and after a Canning free and Cathal Mannion’s point, Whelan landed a great score from the sideline to cut the lead to four.

Roche stopped the Galway run of points at the other end, but the Tribesmen added three more before the break as Waterford led by 0-15 to 1-9 at half-time.

Devine’s first goal came in the 43rd minute after a brilliant pass form Mark O’Brien sent him on his way, while less than a minute later he got in behind Daithi Burke and finished low past Colm Callanan, who had denied Stephen Bennett with a brilliant save a couple of minutes earlier.

Four points in a row from Joe Canning close the home side to within six points with 15 minutes remaining.

Devine looked to have hit the insurance score for his side in the 56th minute, but they failed to score after that as Canning and Niall Burke inspired the Tribesmen to a memorable win.

REFEREE: Barry Kelly (Westmeath).Two goals from Tom Devine in a minute during the second-half looked to have sealed Waterford’s progress into the Allianz Hurling League Semi-Final, but Joe Canning inspired the home side to a stunning late comeback at Pearse Stadium.Waterford didn’t score in the last 19 minutes as Canning hit a penalty and Galway fired an unanswered 1-7 to take the win.Galway now face Limerick, but the fitness of Canning will be a big worry after he was sent off in added-time and limped gingerly from the field.Last weekend Galway got off to a slow start against Limerick and they eventually claimed a win to sign off their Division 1B campaign. But this afternoon at Pearse Stadium they trailed by 0-6 to 0-0 after 10 minutes and by 0-10 to 0-2 after 18 minutes.It was a desperate start from the Tribesmen who struggled under the high ball at the back, displayed a sub-par first touch, and hit five wides in the first quarter.Starting in the full-forward line but with the No 9 on his back Tommy Ryan caused havoc early on, and drew the free that saw Maurice Shanahan launch the Waterford scoring in the second minute. After a brief lull, Stephen Bennett, Tommy Ryan, DJ Foran, Kevin Moran and Stephen Roche all hit unanswered points form play for the Déise.Conor Whelan was in blistering form for the Tribesmen and it was his score in the 12th minute that finally got them off the mark, but Waterford were full deserving of an eight-point lead when Shanahan drilled over his third free.Galway should have pushed themselves back into the tie after 21 minutes, but Joe Canning saw his penalty saved by Ian O’Regan, nevertheless, from there to the interval it was Galway who looked the sharper side.Conor Cooney’s goal 11 minutes from the break lifted their hopes and after a Canning free and Cathal Mannion’s point, Whelan landed a great score from the sideline to cut the lead to four.Roche stopped the Galway run of points at the other end, but the Tribesmen added three more before the break as Waterford led by 0-15 to 1-9 at half-time.Devine’s first goal came in the 43rd minute after a brilliant pass form Mark O’Brien sent him on his way, while less than a minute later he got in behind Daithi Burke and finished low past Colm Callanan, who had denied Stephen Bennett with a brilliant save a couple of minutes earlier.Four points in a row from Joe Canning close the home side to within six points with 15 minutes remaining.Devine looked to have hit the insurance score for his side in the 56th minute, but they failed to score after that as Canning and Niall Burke inspired the Tribesmen to a memorable win.Final score: Galway 2-22 Waterford 2-19Scorers for Galway: Joe Canning 1-10 (1-0 pen, 4fs), Conor Cooney 1-0, Conor Whelan 0-3. Aidan Harte, Cathal Mannion and Niall Burke 0-2 each, Padraic Mannion, Thomas Monaghan 0-1 each.Scorers for Waterford: Maurice Shanahan 0-6 (4fs), Tom Devine 2-1, Stephen Roche 0-3, Tommy Ryan, DJ Foran and Kevin Moran 0-2 each, Stephen Bennett, Seamus Keating, Mark O’Brien 0-1 each.GALWAY: Colm Callanan; John Hanbury, Daithi Burke, Aidan Harte; Padraic Mannion, Gearoid McInerney, Paul Killeen; Adrian Tuohy, Johnny Coen; Joseph Cooney, Joe Canning, David Burke; Conor Whelan, Conor Cooney, Cathal Mannion.Subs: Thomas Monaghan for John Hanbury (23), Niall Burke for Joseph Cooney (64), Shane Maloney for Conor Cooney (68).WATERFORD: Ian O’Regan; Kieran Bennett, Shane McNulty, Shane Fives; Conor Gleeson, Tadhg de Búrca, Seamus Keating; Kevin Moran, Mark O’Brien; Stephen Bennett, Stephen Roche, DJ Foran; Tommy Ryan, Maurice Shanahan, Tom Devine.Subs: Shane Bennett for DJ Foran (52), Noel Connors for Seamus Keating (55), Michael Walsh for Mark O’Brien (58), Brian O’Halloran for Tommy Ryan (59), Pauric Mahony for Roche (61).REFEREE: Barry Kelly (Westmeath).

Cillian McDaid of Galway receives the Man of the Match award from Manager access planning at EirGrid Louis Fisher after the EirGrid Connacht GAA Football U21 Championship Final match between Galway and Sligo at Markievicz Park, in Sligo. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Micheál Daly of Galway in action against Paul McNamara of Sligo during the EirGrid Connacht GAA Football U21 Championship Final. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Micheál Daly of Galway in action against Sligo's Paul McNamara with on the right Séan Kelly celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the EirGrid Connacht GAA Football U21 Championship. Photos by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

All-Star midfielder David Burke produced a stunning display for Galway as they ended Division 1B campaign with a fourth win at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick.

Limerick led by 1-13 to 0-15 at the end of an exciting opening half which saw Cian Lynch strike for the only goal of the game just before the break.

But David Burke was a colossus at the start of the second-half, and he reeled off five points from play, with Thomas Monaghan and then Niall Burke helping to secure the victory for Galway.

Galway played with the breeze at their backs in the first-half, but they couldn’t use that to their advantage and they went in trailing by one point at half-time.

It was hugely competitive and the sides traded scores all the way through, but Galway hit six points in a row during a blistering four-minute spell towards the end of the half and that pushed them four points clear.

But the hosts finished the stronger and Lynch’s low shot flashed past Colm Callanan in the Galway goal one minute before half-time, while Kyle Hayes tagged on another point, and Shane Dowling added a couple of scores for the half-time lead.

Joe Canning was outstanding for Galway in the first-half. He wore the No 10 jersey, but started at corner-forward and scored nine points before the interval.

The Portumna clubman missed a lot of hurling since Galway’s All-Ireland semi-final defeat against Tipperary last season, but he looked at the peak of his powers in Limerick.

He scored a sideline cut, two frees from inside his own 65, and three great points from play as part of his tally, to help Galway stay in touch.

Limerick No 10 Dowling was dominating down the other end of the field, with seven points in the first-half.

Te key score of the half came just before the break when Cian Lynch blasted to the net and Limerick by the minimum at half-time.

However Galway midfielder Burke took control of the game after the break, and he was majestic as Galway raced in front with their captain scoring five excellent points from play.

His replacement Niall Burke struck the insurance score in the 72nd minute, as Galway held on.

Latest Hurling Final News & Updates

The GAA has confirmed the referees for the 2017 Hurling All-Ireland Senior and Minor Finals on September 3rd with Fergal Horgan appointed to referee the Senior final while Sean Cleere of Kilkenny will officiate in the Electric Ireland Minor Final

The GAA has confirmed the referees for the 2017 Hurling All-Ireland Senior and Minor Finals on September 3rd with Fergal Horgan appointed to referee the Senior final while Sean Cleere of Kilkenny will officiate in the Electric Ireland Minor Final

Galway manager Micheal Donoghue said that the shock death of Tony Keady will be used as motivation for next month's All-Ireland hurling final showdown with Waterford. He said they would do everything in their power to honour Keady's legacy as they try to bring the Liam MacCarthy back to Galway.

Austin Gleeson is free to play in the All-Ireland final against Galway.Referee James Owens informed the Central Competitions Committee that he is happy with his officiating of the All-Ireland semi-final, which means the Hurler of Year will not be punished for Sunday's incident involving Luke Meade.

Padraic Mannion of Galway during a press conference at the Loughrea Hotel & Spa in Loughrea. Photo by David Maher/Sportsfile

Colm Callanan of Galway during a press conference at the Loughrea Hotel & Spa in Loughrea. Photo by David Maher/Sportsfile

Galway captain David Burke during a press conference at the Loughrea Hotel & Spa in Loughrea. Photo by David Maher/Sportsfile

Galway manager Mícheál Donoghue during a press conference at the Loughrea Hotel & Spa in Loughrea. Photo by David Maher/Sportsfile

Conor Cooney of Galway during a press conference at the Loughrea Hotel & Spa in Loughrea. Photo by David Maher/Sportsfile

The GAA has confirmed the referees for the 2017 Hurling All-Ireland Senior and Minor Finals on September 3rd with Fergal Horgan appointed to referee the Senior final while Sean Cleere of Kilkenny will officiate in the Electric Ireland Minor Final

The GAA has confirmed the referees for the 2017 Hurling All-Ireland Senior and Minor Finals on September 3rd with Fergal Horgan appointed to referee the Senior final while Sean Cleere of Kilkenny will officiate in the Electric Ireland Minor Final

Galway manager Micheal Donoghue said that the shock death of Tony Keady will be used as motivation for next month's All-Ireland hurling final showdown with Waterford. He said they would do everything in their power to honour Keady's legacy as they try to bring the Liam MacCarthy back to Galway.

Austin Gleeson is free to play in the All-Ireland final against Galway.Referee James Owens informed the Central Competitions Committee that he is happy with his officiating of the All-Ireland semi-final, which means the Hurler of Year will not be punished for Sunday's incident involving Luke Meade.

Padraic Mannion of Galway during a press conference at the Loughrea Hotel & Spa in Loughrea. Photo by David Maher/Sportsfile

Colm Callanan of Galway during a press conference at the Loughrea Hotel & Spa in Loughrea. Photo by David Maher/Sportsfile

Galway captain David Burke during a press conference at the Loughrea Hotel & Spa in Loughrea. Photo by David Maher/Sportsfile

Galway manager Mícheál Donoghue during a press conference at the Loughrea Hotel & Spa in Loughrea. Photo by David Maher/Sportsfile

Conor Cooney of Galway during a press conference at the Loughrea Hotel & Spa in Loughrea. Photo by David Maher/Sportsfile

Galway City & West Under 15 football team who played in the Adam Mangan Memorial Shield Tournament in Offaly against Dublin and Longford. Photo: Tommy Faherty.

Galway North Under 15 football team who participated in the Adam Mangan Shield Tournament. They played both Wicklow & Limerick. Photo: Ann Cunniss Burke

Galway referee John Keane and his umpires Mike Mackey, Shane Carr, Tom Lane and Martin Kearns before the All-Ireland U17 Hurling Championship Final between Dublin and Cork at Croke Park. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Canning magic sends Galway into All-Ireland Final after thriller

Joe Canning produced an astonishing winning point in the fifth minute of stoppage time from the right sideline to send Galway into the All-Ireland final against either Cork or Waterford after a thrilling 0-22 to 1-18 at Croke Park.The sides were level 13 times in a cracking match and just when a replay seemed on the cards, Canning struck his eleventh point of the game to send the All-Ireland champions crashing out.John O’Dwyer had a chance to snatch an equaliser in the final play but his effort from the right tailed off and Galway’s passage to the final was secured.Galway may not have scored a goal for a third championship match in a row but their ability to pick off points when they were most needed saw them home.It’s the third year in a row that the All-Ireland semi-final has been decided by a single point between theses sides, with Galway gaining revenge for last year’s loss.Now they will fancy their chance of a first All-Ireland title since 1988 after surviving a thrilling conclusion.The sides were level six times in the opening half but Tipperary, playing with the breeze, led by 1-10 to 0-12 at the interval.The goal came after 24 minutes when John McGrath pounced on an error by Galway goalkeeper Colm Callanan and corner-back Adrian Tuohy to flick the ball to the net.That edged the All-Ireland champions back in front and after Johnny Coen levelled directly afterwards, Tipperary should have got a second goal when Galway full-back Daithi Burke slipped but Seamus Callanan’s ground stroke was superbly saved by the advancing goalkeeper Callanan.Galway were on top in midfield and that began to have an impact after Tipperary opened up a 0-04 to 0-01 lead after just seven minutes with Callanan, Seamus Kennedy, Noel McGrath and John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer had found the target.Conor Cooney got Galway’s opening point after four minutes and they enjoyed their best spell when they hit four points without reply from the eighth to 15th minute with Conor Whelan, Coen, Conor Cooney and Cathal Mannion hit the target to lead for the first time by 0-05 to 0-04.Callanan responded for Tipp before Joe Canning hit two either side of another Whelan point to open up a three points leadPaudie Maher pulled back a point before John McGrath pounced for his fifth goal of this year’s title race and his tenth championship goal in history.Whelan’s third point edged Galway back in front after Coen’s equaliser following the goal but Callanan landed a free from distance to tie the game four minutes from the break.Brendan Maher edged them back in front directly afterwards and while Canning hit a trademark point from a sideline on the right, Callanan and sub Jason Forde put two between them in stoppage time.Galway cut that gap to the minimum when Canning got his fourth point when he made no mistake with a free from 60 metres to leave it 1-10 to 0-12 at the break in front of a crowd of 68,184.Joseph Cooney levelled the sides for the seventh time inside a minute of the restart before the unrelated Conor Cooney flashed a goal chance wide after a good run.Callanan responded with another free for Tipp which Canning immediately cancelled and then Whelan got his fourth point to make it 0-15 to 1-11 after 42 minutes.Gearoid McInerney was superb at the heart of the Galway defence in the second-half and he will now bid to follow in the footsteps of his father Gerry who was wing-back for the Tribesmen when they triumphed in ’87 and ’88.Brendan and Paudie Maher got Tipp back in front with points to lead by 1-13 to 0-15 after 49 minutes, but they never led after that, with Callanan saving well from Noel McGrath.Galway hit back and two more points from Canning and a long range free from Padraig Mannion put them two in front.‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer and Noel McGrath pointed either side of a Canning ’65 and then John McGrath levelled 12 minutes from time at 1-16 to 0-19.Another Canning point from play was cancelled by a point from O’Dwyer after Callanan missed another placed ball from distance.Indeed, both sides were guilty of wides as the tension mounted - Galway finished with 14 to Tipp’s 11 - before Canning pointed a massive free from 90 metres to edge the Tribesmen in front three minutes from the end.Brendan Maher stepped forward and showed great composure to tie the games with a free from 70 metres two minutes into stoppage.That suggested a replay would be needed to separate them but Canning had other ideas and his point from distance out on the right wing proved to be a match-winning score to send Galway into the All-Ireland final.Galway: C Callanan; A Tuohy, Daithi Burke, J Hanbury; P Mannion (0-01, 0-01f), G McInerney, A Harte; J Coen (0-02), David Burke; C Mannion (0-01), J Canning (0-11, 0-06f, 0-01 sideline, 0-01 ’65), J Cooney (0-01); C Whelan (0-04), N Burke, C Cooney (0-02).Subs: J Flynn for N Burke (45), J Glynn for C Mannion (53), S Moloney for C Cooney (70), G Lally for McInerney (71-73).Tipperary: D Gleeson; D Maher, J Barry, M Cahill; S Kennedy (0-01), R Maher, Paudie Maher (0-02); B Maher (0-03, 0-02f), M Breen; D McCormack, Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher, N McGrath (0-02); J O’Dwyer (0-03), S Callanan (0-05, 0-03f), J McGrath (1-01).Subs: S Curtin for Patrick ‘Bonner Maher (7-10), J Forde (0-01) for Breen (34), N O’Meara for Forde (62).Referee: B Kelly (Westmeath).